Stamina InMotion E1000 Compact Elliptical Machine
ProForm Hybrid Trainer
ElliptiGO 8C Elliptical Bike
For people who hate running, the best elliptical machine is a lifesaver. It provides a low impact but full-body workout to help keep you in shape and working towards your fitness goals. Whether it’s an elliptical machine at the gym or the best home elliptical machine, the design has proven popular for years now.
While everyone may want to have a fitness routine that incorporates strength training and cardio, but not everybody has the time. You don’t want to feel you’ve completely missed out on a workout. It may not burn fat like other exercises, but for a comfortable workout where you can increase the intensity as desired, there are few better options available.
The Best Elliptical Machine
1Stamina InMotion E1000 Compact Elliptical Machine
For both convenience, discretion, and portability, the Stamina InMotion E1000 Compact Strider is our pick as the best elliptical machine for the average user. The quiet operation makes it suitable for use while you’re working at a desk or watching TV, as it won’t disrupt what’s going on outside of your quick workout. There’s also adjustable tension that you can increase or decrease when you need, while the digital monitor helps you track progress and workout metrics.
While it’s decent for casual users, those looking for a full-body workout should look elsewhere. For the regular Joe, though, it’s comfortable, can be used for either backward or forward motion as well as either sitting or standing. At less than $90, it’s a great option for anyone looking for a passive leg workout, especially as the weather turns and it’s too cold to go for a brisk evening walk. For more cool equipment like this, check out our guide to the best assault bike.
Quiet operation
Adjustable tension
Multiple movement options
Digital monitor
Textured pedals
- BrandStamina
- Model55-1610
- Weight24 pounds
Ideal for passive exercise
Lightweight
Use sitting or standing
Compact style means it won’t offer the full-body workout of full-sized ellipticals
2Body Rider Upright Exercise Elliptical Machine
Those who are seeking a full-body workout will find a lot to love with the Body Rider Upright Exercise Fan Bike. It comes with dual action extended handles and an adjustable resistance to suit all experience levels, while the high momentum fan wheels encourage you to keep going, even if every fiber of your being is telling you otherwise.
It also comes with an adjustable seat, however, this isn’t the most comfortable around. This could benefit you, though, and inspire you to stand up and work harder. If this isn’t your preferred workout method, you could always attach a cushion to ease some of the strain. The digital display is easy to use and tracks a variety of standard workout metrics including distance and calories, and despite the reasonable price. It’s sturdy, well-built, and stable to ensure progress with every session. Our guide to the best fitness trackers features some quality gadgets that will help you enhance your performance and overall health.
Dual-action extended handles
Adjustable resistance levels
High momentum fan wheel system
Adjustable seat
Sturdy frame design
- BrandBody Rider
- ModelBRF700
- Weight47.3 pounds
Digital display
250 pound weight capacity
Affordable
Seat is not comfortable
3Sole Fitness E35 Elliptical Machine
The Sole Fitness E35 Elliptical Machine is the most expensive stationary elliptical cross trainer we’ve selected but anyone who takes the punt will soon recognize it’s more than worth the money. You get adjustable pedals along with pulse grip heart monitoring to bring the authentic gym experience into the comfort of your home. There’s also a built-in sound system for your workout playlist, although as useful as this could be the speakers may not be loud enough to be that effective.
This is a minor issue, though, and in a world where Bluetooth speakers are in every home (pretty much) you’ll surely have alternatives. Besides this, you can enjoy custom programs to suit your needs, and a backlit screen so you can work out and view your progress at any time of the day. The motion is fluid and natural, and the water bottle holder ensures you stay hydrated.
Adjustable pedals
Pulse grip with heart-rate monitoring
Sound system
Custom programs
Backlit digital screen
- BrandSole Fitness
- ModelE35-2013
- Weight244 pounds
Water bottle holder
375 pound weight limit
Fluid and natural movement
Speakers are not that loud
4Cubii Jr. Under-Desk Elliptical
Another close pick for the best elliptical trainer for home is the compact Cubii Jr. Under-Desk Elliptical which offers 8 resistance levels to ensure your low-impact workout is as comfortable as it is effective.
With this piece of home gym equipment, you’ll get smooth gliding motion and an ergonomic experience on a stable platform to keep you safe, even if you’re just sitting at your desk. However, if you get that sweet promotion or want to continue your workout on the way home, you’ll find it’s a little too cumbersome to move, so don’t get deceived by its compact size too much. Despite this, the machine is easy to assemble and boasts durable materials to ensure you’ve got many elliptical workouts ahead of you. There’s also a useful display monitor that tracks a host of useful data including RPM, strides, distance, and time.
8 resistance levels
Low impact
Smooth gliding operation
Easy assembly
Built-in display monitor
- BrandCubii
- ModelB074F1S194
- Weight29.9 pounds
Ergonomic design
Durable materials
Stable platform
A little too heavy if you want to move it
5Nautilus E614 Elliptical Trainer
The Nautilus E614 Elliptical Trainer is perfect for anyone obsessed with seeing how much progress they’ve made every week, month, or year. It represents this through the Goal Tracking feature which allows you to set personal goals as you strive for fitness perfection. However, while the Goal Tracking is useful, other monitoring software features fall a little short.
Along with this, there are 22 programs and 20 resistance levels, as well as a massive 20 resistance levels. This makes it an ideal option for those serious about getting a workout in at home and also eliminates the need to head to the gym. It delivers smooth and consistent workouts and the cushioned foot plates ensure comfort. The stride length is also one of the largest around, allowing up to 20” to guarantee you keep up with your progress. For more quality fitness gear, check out our guide to the best free weights.
Goal Tracking capability
22 programs
20 resistance levels
Dual Track LCD displays
Weighted flywheel
- BrandNautilus
- Model100391
- Weight167.3 pounds
Smooth, consistent workouts
20” stride length
Cushioned foot plates
Some of the monitoring software isn’t perfect
6ElliptiGO 8C Elliptical Bike
Our premium pick for the best elliptical machine is the unique ElliptiGO 8C which is the only dynamic options we’ve selected, and for good reason. It allows you to run without the impact standard jogging causes and can surmount any hill with ease with a maximum speed of more than 37kph.
It’s easy to ride and also comfortable, so if you’ve got space in the neighborhood to enjoy it then you’ll likely never go back to other machines. You can also use it at home, but unfortunately the stationary track is sold separately, and at more nearly $2700, you may feel you’ve spent enough already. It comes in 3 colors and has 8 gears to adjust as needed, and the long stride length makes it feel more natural than other machines we’ve picked which guarantees a successful exercise but only as long as the weather stays nice. You may also like some of the best adjustable dumbbells from our list, so be sure to check them out.
Run without impact
Climbs any hill or road
Easy to ride
Comfortable
37+ kph max speed
- BrandElliptiGO
- ModelB012PE6CEG
- Weight42 pounds
3 colors
Long stride length
8 gears
Stationary trainer sold separately for indoor use
7Exerpeutic 1318 5000 Magnetic Elliptical Trainer
With smooth striding motions and an 18” stride length, the Exerpeutic 1318 5000 Magnetic Elliptical Trainer is a great mid-range choice for those looking to increase their workout intensity even if they might be a little short on space.
You can choose from 12 workout programs, as well as 7 training modes and 24 magnetic tension levels which you can adjust using the onboard computer. There are also hand pulse sensors to check heart rate, and the display also shows distance and time, among others. However, you might hear a squeak or two after a few hours of use, which negates the silent operation you could be enjoying. This isn’t anything a little oil can’t fix, though, so it’s not too big of a deal to put you off. Our guide to the best ab machines features more great products that will help you achieve your fitness goals.
Smooth striding motion
12 workout programs
3-piece cranking system
24 magnetic tension levels
18-inch stride length
- BrandExerpeutic
- Model1318
- Weight84 pounds
Hand pulse sensors
270 pound weight capacity
Smartphone / Tablet holder included
Squeaks after a few hours of use
8ProForm Hybrid Trainer
The ProForm Hybrid Trainer is our choice for the best elliptical machine for the price you will pay, especially if you’re looking to maximize your workout potential. Unlike other options, this delivers two types of workout, giving you an elliptical machine and exercise bike to suit your needs.
There are 16 resistance levels for you to try out and an inertia flywheel to help build momentum. The soft grips are easy on the hands, while the large LCD window makes it easy to view statistics. If you find your chosen spot isn’t working, or you want to enjoy a workout in the backyard, the built-n transport wheels make it easy to move. The only problem is that it takes a long time to put together, especially if you’ve never assembled such a machine before. This is really only down to the Hybrid design, though, and once you’re striding away, you’ll forget any meltdowns you might have had during the setup. Be sure to also check out our reviews of the best squat racks for more amazing machines for the top results.
Large LCD window
16 resistance levels
15-inch stride length
Soft grips
Inertia enhanced flywheel
- BrandProForm
- ModelPFEL03815K
- Weight116.8 pounds
Transport wheels
350 pound weight capacity
Works as both elliptical and recumbent exercise bike
Takes a long time to put together
9Schwinn 470 Elliptical Machine
The Schwinn 470 Elliptical Machine is one of the more advanced and modern options we’ve selected for your exercise pleasure. It comes with Bluetooth connectivity that syncs with the Schwinn Trainer app along with other apps to allow seamless and straightforward fitness tracking, so throw that workout diary away!
You’ll also get 29 workout programs and an impressive 25 resistance levels for when you want to show off to your buddies. The adjustable fan is also useful for keeping you cool when you’re hitting your limit and could even push you to complete one more kilometer. The dual track LCD display is clear, but while most metrics are accurate, the calorie counting seems a little off, so you’ll need to rely on other means to make sure that’s accurate.
Bluetooth connectivity
29 workout programs
25 resistance levels
Adjustable fan
Dual track LCD display
- BrandSchwinn
- Model100517
- Weight189.2 pounds
USB port media charging
Run Social app compatibility
In-console speakers
Calorie counting function is not accurate
10EFITMENT Compact Magnetic Elliptical Machine
Our final choice of the best elliptical machine for home use is the EFITMENT Compact Magnetic Elliptical Machine which is one of the smaller full-body choices on our list, but this only sets it apart as one of the best compact elliptical machines you’ll encounter.
The 11” stride may feel awkward at first, but you’ll soon get used to it. Those seeking more intense workouts may have better luck elsewhere, though. Other than this minor issue, there are plenty of things to enjoy about it, including 8 resistance levels, a digital display, and smooth operation. It has a 220 pound maximum weight limit, which we’re sure will suit most if not all of you, and the transport wheels make it easy to move if you want to look out the window if you’re working out during an intense thunderstorm. It also makes an ideal fitness gift for any enthusiast in your life.
Compact design
11 inch stride length
8 resistance levels
Digital display monitor
Quiet and smooth operation
- BrandEFITMENT
- ModelB06XQ6BW92
- Weight63 pounds
Provides full-body workout
220 pound max weight capacity
Transport wheels for portability
Size means it’s not ideal for those seeking more intense workouts